Every resilient structure must rest on an equally robust foundation if it wishes for a long life. For your teeth, that foundation is your gums.
The gum tissue’s function is to encircle and provide the support your teeth require. But like any tissue, your gums are susceptible to the build-up of debris and eventually bacteria. During this process, if the infection grows too large, your gums become inflamed, leading to other issues that together comprise periodontal disease or gum disease in Wilmington.
Wilmington, DE Dentist Treats Gum Disease
Gum disease is a progressive condition, meaning that its reversibility depends on how far it has progressed. When in its early stage, gum disease is called gingivitis. Some indications of gingivitis are the following:
- Gums are red and irritated
- Bleeding gums during brushing and especially flossing
- On-going lousy breath that won’t go away
- Teeth could feel a bit unanchored and shift
These symptoms are easily identifiable at home. But if you keep routine dental appointments faithfully, your dentist in Wilmington, DE will detect emerging issues and can take measures, including helping with your at-home maintenance schedule and practices.
Advanced Periodontal Disease is Harder to Treat
As gingivitis progresses, continuing to avoid treatment could turn your gum disease into a more severe condition called periodontitis. However, when caught early enough, periodontitis can respond to somewhat aggressive treatments and become reversible.
One of these treatments is scaling and root planning, which treats the infected root surfaces. Dr. Jason Jetison may also recommend root surface debridement, which eliminates gum tissue damaged by infection. Your dentist may also follow these treatments with regenerative procedures, which can begin re-growing gum tissue.
Home Care Routine Will Keep Periodontitis Away
One thing to keep in mind is that even if you’ve at one time suffered from gum disease and have managed to seek the care that has reversed it, it won’t stay away by itself. One insidious aspect of gum disease is that it has few warning signs in its early stages. Brushing and flossing every day will help remove harmful build-up. Regular visits to Dr. Justison, our best dentist in Wilmington, DE, will help us detect the early signs.
Give us a call today to set up a consultation and exam, especially if you have any of the periodontal disease symptoms above. Our professional dental team will be happy to start the reversal process and improve your oral health.
